Given that Nissan has already enjoyed success with the Nissan Leaf, it makes sense to delve into the luxury market, which is exactly what the Japanese automaker intends to do with the Infiniti LE. Based off the same platform as the Nissan Leaf, the Infiniti LE is making the leap from concept to reality and will lead the luxury nameplate’s charge into burgeoning EV marketplace.
While the Infiniti LE can be lazily described as a derivation of its pioneering all-electric sibling — since both cars do share the same platform, 106.3-inch wheelbase, and a more powerful 134 horsepower version of the Leaf’s electric drivetrain — the LE is a different, and more refined, beast altogether. For starters, it’s a more stylized car, featuring strong flowing lines while forgoing any real semblance of an EV. And unlike the Leaf’s polarizing five-door hatchback design, the LE is a four-door sedan.
The LE ups its game over the Leaf by incorporating a 100 kW motor (the Leaf features an 80 kW motor) cranking out 240 lb-ft of immediately available to the front wheels. Nissan predicts the LE’s 34-kilowatt will feature a total driving range of 100 miles, although we imagine that will be under “optimal” conditions with typical road driving netting less than that.
But perhaps one of the most intriguing differences between the LE and Leaf will be the former’s wireless charging system. According to Nissan, the company is strongly considering implementing a wireless inducting charging system in the production model that would allow owners to charge their LE wirelessly over a charging pad embedded in the floor of a garage or parking space.
The Infiniti LE is expected to go into production in 2014, with no firm pricing or availability details available at this time.
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